Consumption of legumes has long been linked to their nutritional and medicinal benefits. Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Cowpea) is a legume plant in the Fabaceae family and is a rich source of nutrients also is known for its beneficial effects for diseases treatment. In terms of phytochemicals analysis and bioactivities evaluations the major research has focused on the Cowpea seeds, whereas leaves and pods are remained understudied. Herein we have highlighted leaves methanolic extract phytochemicals identification, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity assessment. Cowpea leaves methanolic extract Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis first time revealed the presence of α-hederin, which is a putative novel SARS-COV-2 inhibitor and Zearlenone mycotoxin. Leaves methanolic extract exhibited strong activity against Streptococcus pyogens and Candida albicans. The Cowpea leaves extract is a potent DPPH inhibitor with an IC50 of 62.04 ± 0.08 μg/mL. The bioactive compounds identification in this work supports the plant's nutritional and medicinal uses.
Keywords: DPPH; GC-MS; LC-MS; SARS-COV-2 inhibitor; Vigna unguiculata; antimicrobial; α-hederin.